Sunday, August 3, 2008

walkability

How "walkable" is your neighborhood? 'Tis a good question in light of the high gas prices and warming planet. You can find out how your neighborhood rates here. (Hat tip to Offspring #2 for the website.)

When you type in an address, the site comes up with a "walk score", which is a number between 0 and 100. Here's what they say about interpreting the numbers:

90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

Soooo.... I plugged a few addresses (including my own). Here's how they look:

RevSS: 85! After visiting her on Friday and walking around her cool neighborhood, I knew she would do well.

Offspring #1: 69! Not bad! She really can walk to pretty much whatever she needs. (And she only missed the next higher category by one point.)

Our neighborhood got a 71. Not great, not bad. We are blessed to lived within a couple of blocks of a beautiful park and wetlands area, and we can walk to coffee shops, but it would be great to have a book store a little closer by.

My subdivision got a 6, which is abysmal. However, their information is not up-to-date. A Super Walmart just opened half a mile from my house, which would change the score on many counts. (Yes, I know the issues with WalMart, but I'm just talking about walkability for the moment.)

My current address in AZ is a 9. Guess I tie with Dunstbunny - great view, no place to go...actually.... There is a lot of walking to do here, more than my former place, its just that you don't go anywhere here except for a beautiful walk. That ought to count for something? right?